Ybor City Hotel Hosts Visitors From Beyond

Located in the heart of Ybor City, Tampa’s historic district, is the charming and romantic Don Vicente de Ybor Historic Inn. But what secrets does this historic building hide? Perhaps the spirits of the departed are lingering in its elegant hallways? According to many witnesses, there is something other-worldly going on in the hotel.Does the Don Vicente de Ybor Historic Inn harbor restless spirits? — Photo courtesy of Don Vicente de Ybor Historic Inn

Built in 1895 by Don Vicente de Ybor, the building originally housed the Ybor Land and Improvement Company. Following that, the building was turned into a health clinic serving the needs of local residents. Many people died here over the years amid rumors of mafia activity and psychotic doctors which may account for the ghostly activity. The clinic closed in 1980 and the building sat empty and neglected for 18 years until the current owners brought it back to life and reopened it as a hotel.

The hotel has been beautifully restored; pictured here is the Grand Salon — Photo courtesy of Don Vicente de Ybor Historic InnToday the Don Vicente is a lovely, intimate historic inn. Its Spanish-influenced architecture features Moorish accents and wrought iron balconies that you will see echoed throughout the neighborhood. Upon entering, you are greeted by the grand salon that retains a feeling of 19th-century elegance appointed with ornate antique furnishings and Persian rugs. This small boutique hotel has 16 guest rooms, beautifully furnished with dramatic four-poster beds and fluffy down comforters.

But from flickering lights and unexplained footsteps to full-on apparitions, there have been many recorded instances of strange occurrences. The hotel has been explored by paranormal investigators, perhaps most famously by the Travel Channel’s Dead Files, backing up the claims of hotel owners and guests. So when staying at the Don Vicente de Ybor Historic Inn, you might want to keep your eyes and ears open for things that go bump in the night.